Kings Park

I had a bit of a play with this photo in Photoshop to try and create a 3D effect. Do you think it worked? Vote below.

 

Creating Art With Photoshop

I have just finished a video tutorial for F Stop Lounge on how to create art using Photoshop. Click on the picture to be taken to the video tutorial. Be sure to comment over on F Stop Lounge if you found the tutorial helpful.

 

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting!

The Morning Rush

THE MORNING RUSH

A moving box parks itself until the 5 o’clock freedom rings the office bell. Polished shoes and designer heels rapidly progress as they meet the cold concrete.  The call of the office worker abides by the rhythm of the working day as it echoes within the urban jungle.

Fluorescent lights gleam upon the clinical cubicle illuminating the to do list. The awaking of the enslaved wired communication device, which sits before them, quickly changes the focus. The cloud and network entangles the inbox as the office worker gazes at the workload building before them. Messages and meetings overflow from their mind. The viral list never seems to end.

But hark a sound of freedom – the tick of the last second before the clock strains to five. The fight has just begun.

Accelerators hit the floor as the chorus of bleating horns flood the air. Egos dribble and spill from the monotonous radio. Slow moving metal clots the road. Minutes turn and the hour passes.

A beacon of light shines upon the weary traveller as the familiar driveway signals home. The castle door opens and shuts out the rush. A sigh of relief fills the halting car.

Another day. Another dollar. The time to hang up the suit has come. A deserving break awaits the tired worker for the cycle will continue.

 

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting!

Free Fine Art Photography – November 2012

The latest FREE fine art photographs are ready to be downloaded.

November 2012 – Rottnest Island.jpg

November 2012 – Quokka.jpg

CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO DOWNLOAD THE PHOTOS.

I hope you enjoy the photos and feel free to use them for whatever you like.

REMEMBER TO SHARE THE LOVE

Mechanic

 

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting!

Circular Pool Abstract Art

Abstract art is one of my newly found passions so expect to see a few more like this.

I created this art by combining 5 photos from a recent photography session at Circular Pool. What do you think? Is this type of photography your cup of tea?

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting.

 

Follow me to the water

FOLLOW ME TO THE WATER

Watching and waiting, anticipating the sparkle in the sky the reflection of light grew intensely as I composed the scene before me.

Time was no factor I stood still in the cold night air waiting to see a shooting star – a glistening hope before my eyes. I waited but alas the spectacle didn’t happen. Instead the gentle breeze blew across my face as it played within the scene.

Artistic patterns marbled on the water’s surface freezing in time. Trees on the horizon danced as my camera captured the chorus of movement before me. Warming light from the nearby town seemed like a galaxy far away. My eyes were cast upward to the beauty of the atmosphere that seemed to engulf my presence.

A universe of light danced upon the glassy mirror.  Twinkling stars pierced through the darkness with the brightest forming stairways that led to the sky. Was this my path was this the light?

Captured using the Fujifilm X-Pro 1

5 Images

35mm – ISO 200 – f1.4 – 30 Seconds Per Image

Edited and Stitched using Photoshop CS5

Perth Wedding Photography

Perth Wedding Photography

I decided to take this stunning wedding dress outside to photograph it against the vibrant background of the West Australian bush.

Two words – simply beautiful. Katherine looked amazing.

DSLR GEAR NO IDEA

I laughed so hard as soon as I saw this!

Perth Wedding Photography – Sam and Katherine

Wearable Cameras, Life Blogging, Smart Cameras and Wireless Power – The Future of Imaging

I have been part of the imaging industry since 1999 and since then I have seen some radical changes. Most of the changes have occurred in the last couple of years with the major collapse of one of the biggest imaging companies – Kodak. Social media has had a lot to do with that change.

I continually dream about the future…sometimes I even think I’m in the wrong career…maybe I should be an inventor, work in a technology R&D department or be a consultant to the imaging industry. What I’m thinking at the moment is writing a story on my predictions on the future of the imaging industry and how it will affect us. Three things were on my mind today so let me get started with those:

1) Cameras (mainly compact cameras to start with) will be replaced with smart camera technology.

This will only happen if camera companies wake up and smell the technology revolution. I see the imaging industry asleep when it comes to the development of new programs. I mean look at the phone industry. Before the word ‘smart phone’ was invented it was just called the phone but as soon as the big players in the telecommunications industry saw the potential of releasing the API (Application Programming Interface) and SDK (Software Development Kit) there was a huge influx of apps being written which only drew more and more people to the devices bringing much success. Eyebrows raise when someone doesn’t own a smart phone.

My biggest fear is seeing traditional camera companies like Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm and Olympus all sitting on their hands waiting for someone else to come up with the idea. All it would take is for a company to release the API or SDK to build apps for their cameras. The only company I see at the moment doing it successfully is Samsung with Android devices. Nikon have been the quickest as well to jump on the bandwagon releasing the Nikon Coolpix s800c. My only hope is they continue to grow this line of smart cameras. To be honest I only see the Andriod platform working on cameras as a newly developed system would only cause confusion in the market place. The time has passed to release a new version as it should have been done one year ago.

I find the biggest problem with the market place is that companies are relying on traditional advertising. The target market of 25-45 year olds are flooded with technology already. The only place left to grow in this area is life blogging and car technology.  Most people in the traditional age bracket already own 1-2 cameras. Wouldn’t it be smarter to pitch the idea of smart cameras to a younger demographic around the ages of 18-24?

2) Wearable cameras offering life blogging will be the next big internet sensation

Life blogging is going to be huge. You may not think it but let me tell you some people thought digital cameras were a waste of time! These small cameras like Project Glass by Google will only need to be clipped on or worn to capture your life moments in an instant. I imagine as you record every second of your life you will have the opportunity to upload all of your moments directly to the cloud. Once your moments are online you will be able to edit your video sharing the stream via YouTube, broadcast it to your circles over a Google+ Hangout or even send it to family and friends via your favourite social media site like Facebook. Your photos and video would become the new cinema complex with fans following your every move!

I hear some of you saying that’s just weird I would never film myself and put my life online…..you are quite right in saying that….I’m not writing this for you, this article is intended for the younger generation in future years who will probably laugh at the ideas because they were so ‘old school’ in the year 2012. I do now something though….life blogging is going to be popular and I guarantee you will watch someone’s life moment on YouTube or the news one day.

3) Wireless power and wireless technology will replace traditional hardware plugs.

Wouldn’t it be great to walk outside on a holiday knowing that your smart phone had a full battery life from the previous night out? What if you were stuck at an airport due to a cancelled flight only to find that your laptop charger was in your suitcase which had already flown out of the country on another plane or what if you arrive on a planned holiday to your dream destination only to find you forgot to pack your camera charger? Unfortunately a lot of these hypotheticals are happen daily we reply on our wall plugs for so many things. What if I told you in the future this wouldn’t be a problem because in the future we will wireless power.  A new type of power device generated on a wireless technology. Wouldn’t that be great? I can’t wait to see this technology spread across multiple devices. Finally I will be able to get rid of the rat’s nest of cables hanging from my computer desk!

If you have any questions on this article please let me know by emailing leighdiprosephotography@yahoo.com.au or submitting a comment below.

Until next time – Happy Shooting

Perth Wedding Photography – Sam and Katherine

I love photographing and capturing the special memories on a wedding day.

The bridal party, family and friends all enjoyed the celebration of Sam and Katherine’s wedding day, held at Mosmans Restaurant in Mosman Park. I can tell you now it was such a stunning day!

I will be uploading some more photographs to my Perth Wedding Photographer site – Brides Perth and here on the blog so stay tuned.

Part 2: How To Blend Multiple Exposures Together

 

How To Blend Multiple Exposures Together

These days digital SLRs and new compact pro cameras are getting better at averaging high contrast scenes. Some cameras like the new Fujifilm X-E1 even offer AE Bracketing (Auto Exposure Bracketing) in camera. I will be testing this feature out as soon as my X-E1 arrives.

Achieving the correct exposure in a single photo can be quite challenging in difficult lighting situations. I have seen quite a few landscape photos with the most common problem being blown out skies where the photographer has exposed for the foreground and hasn’t taken an additional photo exposing for the sky. Gradient filters work to a certain degree but for the best exposure result I would recommend bracketing.

Bracketing means to take three separate photos of the same scene; one exposing for the highlights and the other two exposing for mid-tones and shadow areas. The result should look something like these images a friend took:

Exposing for the shadows

Exposing for the mid-tones

Exposing for the highlights

So now that the photos have been taken the big question is how do you go about merging the photos together into one high dynamic range photo? My answer….Photoshop.
Watch and learn as I take these photos  (taken by a friend) through a quick lesson in Photoshop. The end result of the 2 part tutorial can be seen below (Part 2 will be out tomorrow).

If you have any questions on bracketing let me know by submitting a comment below.

Until next time – Happy Shooting

2013 Calendar African Wildlife Art

 

My African wildlife art can now hang on your wall every day of the year! If you are an African lover then this calendar is for you.

Calendars can be printed and delivered by Christmas if you get in early. To order and view the full 2013 Calendar “African Wildlife Art” simply click on the image below. Enjoy.

Fujifilm X-E1 Unboxing Coming Soon

Interesting fact: I have unboxed approximately 4000+ new cameras since I started in the imaging industry. The next camera unboxing is going to be the best! I will be unboxing the new Fujifilm X-E1. Video coming as soon as the camera arrives in Australia. Can’t wait!

Nikon D5200 Review

Nikon have officially announced the new Nikon D5200. Here is some information from Nikon about the camera:

 

Breath-taking image quality

 The third camera in its series, following the D5000 and the D5100, the Nikon D5200 offers a massive leap in image-quality. In addition to the 24.1-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor for finely detailed images, the new EXPEED 3 image processor provides high-speed operation and excellent, rich colour reproduction – as well as enhanced movie recording. The high ISO sensitivity (100-6400 which is extendable to 25600) delivers brilliant shots in dark or poorly lit environments as well as producing clear images of fast moving subjects.

The Nikon D5200 shares an AF system, metering sensor and scene recognition with the Nikon D7000 series, giving this camera a new level of performance and much enhanced image quality. The superior accuracy of the 39-point AF system and nine cross-type sensors delivers razor sharp images by focusing precisely on the subject you choose. Meanwhile, the 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor provides precise data to the camera’s Scene Recognition System, which optimises exposure, autofocus and white balance immediately before the shutter is released.

Nikon D5200 Black with 18-55mm lens

Image creations from any angle

 The Nikon D5200’s versatile 7.5cm (3-in) vari-angle LCD monitor provides the ultimate freedom and flexibility to take beautiful shots and movies from virtually any position. You can flip, tilt or turn the swivel monitor to get really creative with your angles. In addition, the Nikon D5200 is an intelligently designed lightweight camera, with clear menus and superior ergonomics, making it a pleasure to maneuver and shoot with.

Wireless connectivity to share your creations

 Wirelessly transmitting images from your camera to an Apple™ or Android™ smart device is possible by using the optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter. This means you can share images that you are proud of with friends via social networks and email for instant reactions. It is even possible to control your camera remotely from your smart device to help you take beautiful shots without disturbing your subjects.

Distinctive HD movies

 Effortlessly alternate between shooting stills and Full HD movies with smooth (up to 60i/50i) recording at the flick of a switch. The camera’s subject tracking of moving objects in three dimensions, with full time servo AF (AF-F), ensures focus of moving objects throughout filming. Adding to that, creating movies to be proud of can be achieved with in-movie editing and the camera’s built-in stereo microphone.

Inspirational Effect and Scene modes

 Be even more original with the Nikon D5200 Effects mode. A range of seven special effects: Selective Colour, Miniature, High and Low Key, Silhouette, Colour Sketch and Night Vision can be applied in real time to images and movies through Live View so you can see what your final creation will look like before you shoot it. In addition, in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) and D-lighting capture detailed images of high-contrast scenes, increasing creative possibilities. You can also select from 16 different Scene modes – they optimise the camera settings, such as shutter speed, ISO and aperture – to the situation you are shooting. It is great for a quick shot or if you are still learning about D-SLR photography.

The Nikon D5200 Bronze with 18-55mm lens 

Easy User Interface with Live View Feature as an option

Key features

– DX-format, 24.1 megapixel CMOS image sensor with EXPEED 3 for exceptional quality
– Vari-angle LCD monitor: View life at a unique angle with a high resolution, 7.5cm (3.0-in), 921k dot vari-angle screen
– Compatible with Wireless Mobile Adaptor WU-1a to transmit images from the camera to AppleTM or AndroidTM smart device and remote shooting¹
– High ISO (100-6400) extendable to 25600: keeps the detail with low noise in low-light situations
– Razor-sharp 39-point AF system with nine cross-type sensors in the center. Offers fast and precise autofocus coverage across the frame
– 2,016 pixel RGB metering sensor delivers highly accurate metering for exact exposures and provides precise data to the camera’s Scene Recognition System
– Scene Recognition System optimizes exposure, autofocus and white balance immediately before the shutter is released
– Continuous shooting at 5fps: so you do not miss that fast-moving action shot
– High dynamic range (HDR): Gives detailed shots of high-contrast scenes by combining two shots taken within a single shutter release
– Active D-Lighting: Retains details in highlights and shadows for well-balanced images, even if the subject is moving
– D-Movie: Full (1080p) HD movies with smooth (up to 60i/50i) recording and a built-in stereo microphone
– D-Movie AF modes: Live View autofocus works when shooting movie clips, keeping subjects in sharp focus
– In-built stereo-microphone for improved sound quality
– Updated new generation GUI Design
– 16 Scene modes: Automatically adjusts camera settings, including Picture Controls and Active D-Lighting, for optimal results
– Effects mode – seven effects including Selective Colour and Miniature, which can be applied in pre-shoot, for more creative movies and stills
– Compatible with WR-R10 Wireless Remote transceiver and WR-T10 Wireless Remote transmitter that let you control key camera functions from a distance
– GPS compatible: Records the exact location of the camera when a picture is taken by using the optional GP-1 unit
– NIKKOR lenses: take advantage of Nikon’s legendary NIKKOR lenses and make the most of the camera’s 24-megapixel resolution. Capture photos with vivid colour and striking contrast. Shoot movies with crisp detail or experiment with cinematic effects
– Available in three colours: black, red and bronze
– Lightweight body (505g) with an intelligent design and superior ergonomics

¹ Compatible with iOS™ and Android™ smart devices. This feature requires use of a dedicated Wireless Mobile Utility application that can be downloaded for free from Google Play™ and the Apple App Store™.

Sample Photos from the Nikon D5200

 

For more information about this product visit Nikon’s site here

Parts of this post were supplied by Nikon Press.

Until next time – Happy Shooting!

The Sky is the Limit

Ethereal shapes cloud the busy travelling sky as they traverse the barren earth. The freshness of daylight falls upon the earth as wisps of cloud linger on a distant horizon.

A palette of colour opens my eyes as I am led to follow the richness to the heavens. The perceptual cluster seems to engulf its surrounds, the vapour reflecting through its frail formation. Within its banding shadow a darkness lingers upon the earth but as if on a roll the fading light passes and is enthralled into the awe-inspiring light that gives warmth and life.

The clouds are merely a dissipating obstacle along my journey. I am a traveller and my journey has just begun. A new day. A new dawn. The sky is the limit.

My artistic impression of my writing. Photographed near Japan.

Until next time – Happy Shooting!